England Reach UEFA Nations League Quarter-Finals as Italy Defeat France

VoS NEWS DESK | EUROPEAN FOOTBALL | 14 NOV 2026

England have secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley Stadium, while Italy produced an impressive 3-1 comeback against France in Milan. The latest results have intensified competition across the tournament, with several major European football nations continuing their battle for qualification and improved positions in their respective groups.

The England victory was particularly significant for captain Harry Kane, who celebrated becoming his country's all-time men's international appearance record-holder. His 126th appearance for England was marked by a decisive penalty that secured three important points and confirmed the team's progression to the knockout stages.

England started strongly against Croatia, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring during the first half after receiving an opportunity created by Jude Bellingham. The hosts controlled important periods of the match, although Croatia remained competitive and continued searching for an equaliser.

Croatia eventually restored parity through Petar Sucic, who capitalised on a defensive mistake involving Jarell Quansah. The equaliser increased the pressure on England, but the home side responded positively.

England regained the advantage after Ivan Smolcic brought Quansah down during a corner situation. Following a video assistant referee review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Kane confidently converted in the 64th minute.

The goal proved decisive, allowing England to secure a 2-1 victory and confirm their place in next March's Nations League quarter-finals. England manager Thomas Tuchel welcomed the result, describing the victory as an important achievement for the team.

Meanwhile, Italy delivered one of the most notable performances of the matchday by defeating France 3-1 at the San Siro in Milan. The result also ended Zinedine Zidane's unbeaten beginning as France's national team manager.

France initially appeared capable of controlling the contest when Michael Olise opened the scoring in the 10th minute. However, Italy responded through Francesco Pio Esposito, who brought the home side level during the first half.

Both teams continued creating opportunities, with France striking the woodwork twice through Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki. Italy also missed a penalty through Sebastiano Esposito, but the hosts maintained their attacking pressure.

Davide Frattesi subsequently put Italy ahead after converting Federico Dimarco's delivery, before Francesco Pio Esposito scored his second goal from the penalty spot to complete the 3-1 victory.

The result moved Italy above France in League A Group 1 on the head-to-head record, with both teams level on 10 points. Belgium remained close behind, leaving the group qualification battle unresolved ahead of the final round of matches.

Elsewhere, Spain maintained their impressive form with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague. Goals from Alex Baena and Marc Pubill secured another win for the Spanish national side, which had already confirmed its qualification for the knockout stages.

The latest results demonstrate the competitive nature of the 2026–27 Nations League, with established football powers facing increasing pressure to maintain consistency throughout the international calendar.

VoS STRATEGIC INSIGHT

The latest Nations League results highlight the importance of consistency, squad depth and individual leadership in international football. England's qualification demonstrates the value of experienced players such as Harry Kane, whose record-breaking appearance and decisive goal made the occasion particularly memorable. Italy's victory over France, meanwhile, has added further uncertainty to the Group A1 qualification race. With the final group matches approaching, Europe's leading national teams must maintain their performance levels as they compete for places in the quarter-finals and the opportunity to challenge for the tournament title.